As cities sprawl, trees often get the axe and native plants vanish - but this weekend, you can help throw that trend into reverse at Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey.
At the east side of the park, a group of houses was razed and the land is being returned to nature; and on Saturday, volunteers will speed up the process by planting native trees and bushes that create habitat for wildlife - as well as a beautiful recreation spot for humans.
Salmonberry, Red Osier Dogwood, cherry, crabapple and cedar are among the varieties that participants will put in the ground; no tools or experience are required.
Once the work is done, you can enjoy an early stroll along the 6.4-kilometre loop trail, which officially opens this summer.
"Sometimes it's just nice to get your hands dirty and to do some physical work," says Alison Evely with Metro Vancouver. "But it also gives people the sense that they're contributing to something, that they can help make the world a better place."
The Tynehead Park planting is Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information, visit metrovancouver.org.